Sangita Patel says she's 'feeling relieved' after second cancer surgery: 'I will listen to my body'

The Canadian TV host, 45, was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer in 2023.

Sangita Patel arrives at the Digital & Immersive Awards during the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards on April 13, 2023 in Toronto. (Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images)
Sangita Patel is feeling positive after undergoing her second surgery for her rare form of thyroid cancer. (Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images)

Sangita Patel is seeing some success in her cancer journey.

The producer and host of TLC's "Love & Translation" took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an "epic selfie," giving her fans an update on her health. Last year, the mother-of-two noticed a rapidly growing lump on her neck that turned out to be a rare form of thyroid cancer called encapsulated invasive oncocytic carcinoma, or Hürthle cell carcinoma.

"Second surgery was a success. I'm still high," Patel, 45, quipped in her post's caption. "Kidding aside, last few weeks have been hard mentally knowing this surgery was coming up. But now that phase two of my three-part program to make sure this 'C' stuff is out of my body is complete, I'm feeling relieved."

The former "ET Canada" host explained she learned during her initial surgery last October that her recovery would occur in stages. Patel added she'll likely be good to go back to exercising within a few days, but will listen to her body and prioritize rest over working out if necessary. The Toronto-based personality continued to thank her team at the University Health Network.

"I'm overwhelmed by how my journey is helping others and how so many of you share your own experiences and thank you for checking in on me," she noted.

In the comments section of her post, fellow Canadians and fans shared their support for Patel.

"Wishing you a speedy recovery, friend. The 'I'm still high' disclaimer is my favourite," Toronto-based radio host Gurdeep Ahluwalia penned.

"Love you so much, Sangi. Sending you healing vibes," added CityNews Toronto newscaster Melanie Ng.

"Big, big hug. Praying for a speedy recovery," one person shared.

"You are amazing, S! Sending all the love and strength and healing vibes your way!" another chimed in.

Hürthle cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that could potentially impact a person's ability to "speak or breathe," according to the Cleveland Clinic. It's a rare form of cancer, but it's more commonly found in women in accounts for roughly three per cent of all thyroid cancers.

In January, Patel explained more about the technique used in her treatments and her experience. She said one of the most-asked questions she receives is about where her lump was removed and if there was any scarring.

In an Instagram Reel, Patel shared the procedure she had was called TOETVA, or transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach, which leaves no scarring on her neck. "What they do is that they put two rods over here," she said, pointing to each side of her chin.

"And then one main one that goes through your chin to your neck. I have a lot of scarring tissue," she added, noting two dents on her chin from the procedure. Patel also mentioned experiencing tightness in her neck and difficulty with certain movements due to the surgery. She also said she'll be on medication for the rest of her life, and she'll have to undergo radiation therapy.

"Sometimes I have to take a deep breath or swallow hard. ... My voice is pretty much back to normal," she said at the time. "I can't really hit high notes yet while I'm going through still healing and trying to get my face back to normal.

"This type of cancer can target my bones and my lungs and we don't want that. I'll do whatever I have to do to get all the stuff out of my body. ... To have this opportunity to not have a scar is pretty great."

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